Beard in the Wild: My Wild Camping Journey Begins
A Personal Journey into the Wild
It all started with a number on a scale.
Just over 400 days ago, I weighed 24 stone. That’s about 152 kg or over 330 pounds. Since then, I’ve lost more than 8 stone — that’s 50 kg or 100 pounds — and along the way, something incredible happened. I fell head over heels in love with hiking, wild camping, bushcraft, and being out in nature.
And now, I’m sharing that journey with you — welcome to Beard in the Wild.
From Weight Loss to Wild Camps
I live at the base of the North Downs Way in Kent, England — a stunning national trail packed with dense woodland, chalky paths, and endless scenic views. The perfect place to walk, reset, and rediscover purpose.
I didn’t set out to become a wild camper. But the more time I spent walking, the more I craved deeper solitude, silence, and challenge. That’s when I picked up my first tarp. Then a bivvy. Then a tent. Then another tent... and, well, here we are.
What to Expect on Beard in the Wild
Here’s what you’ll find on this blog and my YouTube channel:
Real-World Gear Reviews
I review tents, tarps, trekking poles, cook systems, sleep setups and more — not just in perfect conditions, but in the wild, under rain, frost, or wind. If it works out here, it’ll work for you.
Budget tents like the Phoxx 3 and premium alternatives like the Hilleberg Soulo
Sleeping bags and Sleeping Pad tests in cold UK nights
Cook set comparisons and stove setups
Full pack loadouts and what I actually carry
Honest Wild Camping Trips
Whether I’m bivvy camping in Kent, hammock camping in Sussex, or taking on an overnight hike along the River Medway Canoe Trail — every post is personal and unfiltered.
I’ll talk about the terrain, the gear, the fails, the food, and the mental reset that comes from time in the wild.
Mental Health Through Nature
Losing weight was one part of my transformation. The other was learning to sit in stillness. To deal with grief. To feel okay being alone.
Wild camping gave me back a version of myself I thought I’d lost — and it’s my hope this blog helps others explore those benefits too.
Why Wild Camping?
There’s something raw about wild camping. No check-in. No neatly mown grass. Just you, your kit, and the unknown.
It forces you to:
Be present
Plan smarter
Appreciate small comforts
Reconnect with your surroundings
It’s affordable, accessible, and deeply rewarding.
Key Takeaways
I started wild camping during a weight loss journey
The mental and physical health benefits have been life-changing
Beard in the Wild shares gear reviews, wild camps, and honest reflections
Anyone can start — you don’t need fancy gear to begin
What’s Your Story?
Have you found comfort in the outdoors? Are you new to wild camping or thinking of giving it a go? Drop a comment — I’d love to hear where you’re at in your journey.
Thanks for reading — stay wild and leave no trace.
Watch the Video of this Blog Post!
Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy day to read this captivating camping blog! If you found it interesting and want to explore more, you can check out the entertaining video version of this post. If you enjoy it, please feel free to subscribe to my YouTube Channel for exciting future updates and more outdoor adventures!
Suggested Reading
Hammock Camping on the North Downs Way
A peaceful solo camp exploring one of the UK's iconic long-distance trails.Hammock Camping in Storm Bert – Wild Camping UK Challenge
Braving high winds and rain in a DD Hammock — testing kit and grit.The Best Wild Camping Spot on the River Thames
Unexpected beauty, stunning views, and a night to remember.Is the Cheapest Amazon Wood Stove Worth It?
Putting the lowest-priced stove to the test in real wild conditions.Honest Review: Kilos Gear Aero Cloud Elite Sleeping Pad
A full comfort breakdown of this popular thick, insulated sleep mat.
The UK Supreme Court ruled wild camping legal again on Dartmoor — but what does it mean for the rest of England?